BJP counters INDIA bloc's SIR 'vote chori' charge with Hyderabad padayatra

In an interview with India Today, BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary Vinoj P. Selvam hit out at the ruling TVK administration over the proposal for a separate state flag, describing it as an attempt to divert attention from governance shortcomings. Selvam remarked, 'Trying to talk about introduction of a new flag, it just seems like a move to promote separatism in the state of Tamil Nadu.' He stressed that national pride and Tamil pride are complementary and called on the government to strengthen Tamil-medium education and back the New Education Policy. Turning to corruption allegations surrounding Minister Rajmohan regarding an alleged five crore bribe offer for a post at E.I. Isai Nadaga Mandram, Selvam demanded a CBI inquiry to expose those involved. He also criticised opposition figures, citing Durai Vaiko delivering a speech in Hindi at a mock parliament, accusing regional leaders of political hypocrisy and dividing the state through language politics.

Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as Cyclone Murzu approaches its south-eastern coastline, with landfall expected south of Bapatla within 12 hours. Reporting from Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district, India Today notes that the sea has turned rough and local administrations across multiple coastal districts have been put on alert for the next 24 to 48 hours. This marks the second consecutive storm to strike the state, arriving just days after Cyclone Arnab battered northern coastal belts from Konaseema to Srikakulam. The India Meteorological Department forecasts landfall around midnight into early morning, affecting Nellore, Ongole, Bapatla, and Narsapuram. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is monitoring hourly preparations with the objective of zero life loss.

An internal rebellion is threatening the survival of the Omar Abdullah government in Jammu and Kashmir, with the party leadership entering firefighting mode. Up to 25 National Conference legislators claim unity, alleging humiliation by ministers and neglect of manifesto promises, including constitutional guarantees and Article 370. The dissident faction has issued an explosive letter with 16 signatures to the party high command, laying down a 14-day ultimatum to meet key demands or face a withdrawal of support before the Lieutenant Governor. Their conditions include dissolving the existing cabinet, holding fresh consultations before reconstituting the council of ministers, establishing appraisal committees, and removing the advisor to the Chief Minister. Compounding the turmoil, Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi is set to publicly resign from the National Conference and his parliamentary seat at a massive rally in Budgam, sparking speculation over a potential new political front emerging from within the ruling party.

The BJP and the INDIA bloc opposition clash over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and voter suppression allegations following the Ramlila Maidan rally targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statements regarding infiltrators on voter lists drew sharp responses, with Congress spokesperson Mohan Kumar Mangalam alleging illegal Form 7 deletions, while BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan defended the administrative process. In Andhra Pradesh, local body election violence in Pulivendula resulted in an assault on an India Today news crew, sparking mutual blame between the TDP and YSRCP. In Karnataka, Bengaluru police investigate an alleged fake sting operation targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with developments referencing Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy. Additionally, environmental protests in Raigad, Maharashtra, target Torrent Power's 3,000 MW Sai Dongar pumped storage project over forest diversion and tree felling, alongside coverage of celebrations for Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's birthday.